Bihar CM inspects Ganga Ghats, says 90 safe for Chhath
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 10 (IANS) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected preparations for the upcoming Chhath festival at several ghats along the Ganga in Patna on Tuesday evening, travelling by boat from Nasriganj Ghat to Gai Ghat. He was accompanied by BJP National Secretary Nitin Nabin, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Health Ministers Nishant Kumar, Ram Kripal Yadav and Mithilesh Tiwari. Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, other public representatives and senior officials from various government departments also joined the inspection. Danapur Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Virupaksh Vikram Singh and Municipal Council Executive Officer-cum-Administrator Siddharth Harshvardhan were also present. During the boat journey, the Chief Minister reviewed arrangements at various Chhath ghats, including cleanliness, security, barricading, lighting, access routes and facilities for devotees. He directed officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed on time, with particular attention to safety. Speaking after the inspection, Choudhary said it was the second consecutive day that he had reviewed preparations for the festival. He said the district administration was working continuously and incorporating suggestions received from public representatives and residents. According to the Chief Minister, 90 of the 103 ghats in Patna have been assessed as completely safe, while around 13 have been identified as hazardous. He said the state government and district administration were making comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees observing the Chhath rituals. Thousands of devotees gather at the Ganga ghats in Patna during the four-day festival to offer arghya (prayers and offerings) to the setting and rising Sun. The large gatherings make crowd management, sanitation and safety at riverbanks key challenges for the administration. Choudhary also invited people from other states to visit Bihar and witness the devotion, purity and traditional fervour associated with Chhath Puja. With the festival approaching, administrative preparations have been intensified across the city. Officials now face the task of completing arrangements at the identified safe ghats while ensuring adequate security measures and alternative facilities for devotees at locations declared hazardous.
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary reviews Chhath preparations, says 90 of 103 ghats safe for devotees
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the upcoming Chhath festival for the second consecutive day, stating that 90 out of 103 ghats across the state have been found completely safe for devotees, while the remaining 13 have been identified and marked as dangerous or unsuitable for use. Choudhary said the district administration was continuously working on the basis of suggestions and feedback received from various people to ensure proper arrangements for the festival. For the second consecutive day, preparations for the grand Chhath festival were reviewed. The district administration is continuously working on the basis of the suggestions and feedback received from various people. Out of the 103 ghats, 90 have been found to be completely safe. The remaining 13 ghats have been identified and marked, as they are either dangerous or not suitable for use, the Chief Minister said. He further assured that the district administration and the state governm...
Bihar: PMC raises nearly Rs 200 crore through bonds; becomes first ULB to list on NSE
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 10 (IANS) The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has raised nearly Rs 200 crore through municipal bonds, becoming the first urban local body in Bihar to have its bonds listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). A formal ceremony was held on Tuesday to mark the listing, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurating the process by ringing the ceremonial bell. The bond listing is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening the financial independence of urban local bodies and creating alternative funding mechanisms for infrastructure development. It is the first time that the PMC has raised funds directly from the capital market through municipal bonds, reducing its dependence on government grants and conventional revenue sources. The bond issue had a base size of approximately Rs 100.03 crore. Bidding was conducted on October 30 through the NSE's electronic platform, attracting investor demand exceeding Rs 205 crore. Following the strong response, the issue size was increased to nearly Rs 200 crore, enabling the corporation to raise Rs 199.99 crore. The bonds carry an annual interest rate of 9.20 per cent and have a tenure of 10 years. The corporation will make quarterly interest payments during the first four years. Thereafter, repayment of the principal and interest will be made in quarterly instalments. The maturity dates for different tranches are scheduled between 2030 and 2036. The funds will primarily be used to develop urban infrastructure, including vending zones, commercial complexes, parking facilities, marriage halls and community amenities. Patna Mayor Sita Sahu said the corporation plans to execute 18 development projects at 15 locations across the city. These include 12 vending zones, two marriage halls, one parking facility, one commercial complex, one hotel and one community centre, Sahu said. The objective is to organise the city's currently unplanned street-vending activities and provide better civic amenities. Designated vending spaces will help reduce encroachment on roads and footpaths, improve traffic movement and bring greater order to markets, Sahu said. Of the 15 sites, 10 are located on land owned by the municipal corporation, four on land belonging to the Road Construction Department and one on land owned by the Bihar State Housing Board. The estimated cost of the projects is Rs 270.45 crore. While approximately Rs 200 crore will come from the bond proceeds, the remaining amount will be met from the corporation's internal resources. The projects are expected to be completed within six months to 18 months. The facilities are also expected to generate additional revenue for the corporation through shop rentals, parking fees, marriage hall bookings and other commercial activities. Addressing the ceremony, Samrat Choudhary said strengthening Bihar's economy and keeping pace with global developments were key objectives of the government. He described the expansion of the bond issue from its initial size of around Rs 100 crore to nearly Rs 200 crore as a significant achievement. He also said Bihar had faced economic setbacks following the state's bifurcation, but had made progress since 2005 through the efforts of former Chief Ministers Nitish Kumar and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.
The then-chief chose not to use nearby units, says Sonia on late army deployment in 1984 riots
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) The Congress has faced, and continues to face, flak over the involvement of its leaders in instigating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in the wake of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards, and the delay in acting to stop the violence, but former party President Sonia Gandhi says the delay in the deployment of the army was due to certain concerns by the then-army chief. In her memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, Sonia Gandhi also contends that she is convinced that her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, who is blamed for turning a blind eye to the violence in the national capital and allegedly condoning it with his infamous comment that When a big tree falls, the earth shakes, could not in any way have authorised those heinous acts on innocent men, women, and children. However, she does acknowledge that it is also evident that some in charge must have looked the other way, and, in some instances even stoked passions, adding fuel to the fire. Noting that many contradictory reports have appeared about that harrowing period, some concerning the delay in the deployment of the army, she said it was not deliberate, and the army had been requisitioned on the night of October 31, 1984 itself, but took time to appear on the scene due to the composition of the nearest units. The Army Chief then was General Arun Sridhar Vaidya, who had also planned and overseen Operation Blue Star, the army action against Sikh radicals ensconced in the Golden Temple, in June 1984, and would tragically be fatally targeted by Khalistani terrorists in Pune after his retirement in 1986. Although the Chief of the Army Staff General A.S. Vaidya had received his orders the same night as the assassination, we heard later that he had decided not to mobilise the nearest units because they were manned by Sikh soldiers, a factor that might have exacerbated the situation, she wrote, citing the sporadic mutinies by Sikh soldiers, and some officers too, in Gurdaspur, Bihar's Ramgarh, Pune, and Jammu. Whatever the reason, General Vaidya ordered units further away, in Dehradun, to move to Delhi. This took some time, but by the night of November 1, army units had started moving into place and by noon of November 2 had been positioned in the parts of the city affected by rioting; a curfew was in force and shoot-at-sight orders had been issued. On the role of Rajiv Gandhi, who had taken over the helm, Sonia Gandhi noted hat very night, Rajiv appeared on national television to appeal for peace - virtually his first public act after being sworn in as Prime Minister, and said that othing would hurt the soul of our beloved Indira Gandhi more than the occurrence of violence in any part of our country. Rajiv Gandhi did not restrict himself to appeals only, she wrote, noting that he visited various tension-racked areas of Delhi and sent members of his staff to look out for the safety and welfare of their Sikh colleagues. She said that he had gone out again on November 1 and the following day, issued another nationwide appeal on TV, citing his mother's words Do not shed blood, shed hatred. Sonia Gandhi says her husband, just and compassionate to his core, could not have been behind the violence as his instinctive, immediate response at a moment of extreme personal affliction bears that out, but admits hat he was thrust into a moment of the country's history when effective governance had foundered and barbaric acts followed. Recalling that she came to know about the horror of these events from friends who had given shelter to Sikhs and he many Sikhs who had found refuge in our home, she confesses that in her state of disorientation then, she had ecome empty of tears, benumbed by the experience of violence that had uprooted me. It was only years later, that she could process the enormity and horror of those events, she admits. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)
8 women and children among 19 report dog bite cases in J&K town
Mendhar, Nov 10: At least 19 people, including eight women and children, reported dog bite cases at a sub-district hospital in Mendhar in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday. According to an official report, the dog-bite victims belonged to different areas of Mendhar and also included people from outside the region who were currently staying there. Among the patients, 11 had suffered category 2 bites, involving minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, while the rest had Category 3 bites, characterised by deep cuts, puncture wounds, tears or any bite that penetrates the skin and causes bleeding. The victims' ages ranged from 14 to 65 years. The affected persons were reported from Sagra, Ari Kasab, Dabraj, Sakhi Majdan, Dharana, Jara Wali Gali, Topa, BG, Chajjla, Basooni, Gohlad, Thera Topa and Mankote, among other areas. Two of the patients were from Madhya Pradesh and Bihar and were presently residing in Mendhar, the report said.
Srinagar , November 10 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday praised Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', saying that no woman politician had endured as much as she had, while also defending the legacy of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and criticising the BJP's ideological approach. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Mufti said she had witnessed Sonia Gandhi's evolution as a political leader and stateswoman and admired her strength in dealing with personal tragedies, including the assassinations of her mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and husband Rajiv Gandhi. I have seen Sonia Gandhi evolving into a leader and then into a stateswoman. She has gone through a lot. I mean, in my opinion, no woman politician has endured as much as she has. And the way she carried herself, especially when, you know, the trauma her children faced when their grandmother and then father Rajiv ji was killed... I mean, that must have been very emotionally taxing on her, Mufti said. But still, to come up with such a beautiful book, with so many, you know, happy memories--of course, there are sad occasions also in it. I think it's something, you know, really I admire in her. She has the capacity, she has the, you know... she has the strength to bear it all, she added. Mufti also criticised the BJP over its remarks on Nehru, highlighting his contribution to nation-building and the establishment of institutions after Independence. And the way the BJP people--the way they are talking about Jawaharlal Nehru--what would they understand about Jawaharlal Nehru? Jawaharlal Nehru was the person, was the Prime Minister who, at a time when the whole country... before Independence, he went to jail; his daughter went to jail. After that, that family gave two Prime Ministers who sacrificed their lives for this country. That is Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy, she said. She further credited Nehru with steering the country through the communal tensions surrounding Partition and establishing institutions, industries and basic infrastructure. He steered this nation at a time when Hindus and Muslims were thirsty for each other's blood. And this country had virtually nothing. Education was hardly even 15 to 20 per cent. After that, he gave institutions here, gave ISRO, through which they are launching satellites and other things into space today. He built this nation, gave it industries, gave it basic infrastructure, which today they are handing over entirely to Adani, Mufti said. In my view, the BJP cannot understand Jawaharlal Nehru because their mentality, their mindset, is very narrow. Their mindset is only about pitting Hindus and Muslims against each other, Mufti alleged. Mufti further described the memoir as a reflection of the ideological differences between the Congress and the BJP, saying Sonia Gandhi associated herself with Mahatma Gandhi, secularism and democracy. I feel that this book--I haven't heard much about it yet, though I have read a little bit--its a beautiful book, and it tells you the truth: that the BJP's ideology is the ideology of the RSS, Jan Sangh, and Godse, whereas Sonia Gandhi associates herself with Gandhi ji, secularism, and democracy. So, I think it must be a very interesting book, she said. Asked about the title Belonging, given that Gandhi has long been accused of having an Italian mindset, Mufti said, In my opinion, she... as I said earlier, the way she evolved as a leader, as a stateswoman... in the BJP, you don't even have a single... leave alone a statesman, you don't even have a true leader. They are just RSS pracharaks. They are rioters, considering what they are doing right now and the riot-like atmosphere they have created. She (Sonia Gandhi) was always called an outsider, but the amount she has sacrificed for this country--her husband's sacrifice, and before that, her mother-in-law's sacrifice... I think in the history of India, no other family has fought as much for freedom, nor made as many sacrifices for the integrity of this nation, as this family has, Mufti added. The remarks come amid a political controversy surrounding Sonia Gandhi's newly released memoir, which touches upon her personal journey, political experiences, the Nehru-Gandhi family and her criticism of the BJP-led government. In her memoir, Sonia Gandhi has accused the BJP of systematically dismantling democratic institutions, suppressing dissent and centralising political and economic power. She has also alleged that the RSS has brought several educational institutions under its ideological influence. Gandhi has criticised the government's 2016 demonetisation decision, the functioning of central investigative agencies and the Election Commission of India (ECI). She has also accused the ruling party of using government agencies to target political opponents. The memoir has drawn sharp reactions from BJP leaders. BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan criticised the book, saying it could have been titled 'Whitewashing' instead of 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. Sonia Gandhi could have titled her memoir 'Whitewashing', instead of 'Belonging' because the motive of this book appears to be sugarcoating the historical wrongs perpetrated by the Nehru-Gandhi family and camouflaging the cardinal sins committed by the Congress party, Kesavan said. Questioning her references to the Babri Masjid demolition, the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre, the Batla House encounter and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Kesavan asked whether she had expressed similar grief over the deaths of innocent people and security personnel. He also criticised her account of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying it was appalling and shocking to normalise or justify a period during which fundamental rights were suspended. In Patna, JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha questioned Sonia Gandhi's account of declining the Prime Minister's post in 2004, claiming that Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav had refused to support her. This is a controversial matter as well. While managing numbers, what we know is that Mulayam Singh Yadav had refused to support her. Otherwise, there was a full attempt to become the PM. But she could not become. It is a different matter what she did or did not do, Jha said. Meanwhile, Congress leaders defended the memoir and rejected the BJP's criticism over Sonia Gandhi's reflections on the Babri Masjid demolition. Congress leader Salman Khurshid said there was deep regret across political circles over the demolition, including among BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani. Advani ji had also said that they did not want this to happen. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said they didn't want this, Khurshid said. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla also accused the BJP of giving the memoir a political spin, arguing that several BJP leaders had themselves criticised the Babri Masjid's demolition at the time. (ANI)
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 10 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday transferred Rs 1,205 crore to the bank accounts of 1.09 crore social security pension beneficiaries across the state ahead of the Chhath festival. Under the disbursement, each beneficiary received Rs 1,100 as monthly pension assistance. The funds were transferred during a programme organised at the Chief Minister's official residence, Lok Sevak Awas in Patna on Tuesday. The social security pension scheme provides financial assistance to elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities, helping them meet their basic needs. During the run-up to the assembly election 2025, the then Nitish Kumar government had increased the monthly pension amount from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, providing additional financial support to millions of beneficiaries. During the programme, Samrat Choudhary directed officials to ensure that every eligible person receives the benefits of the scheme and that no deserving beneficiary is left out. He instructed the administration to identify eligible people who have not yet been enrolled and launch a special campaign to bring them under the pension scheme. The Chief Minister emphasised that the process should ensure that vulnerable sections of society receive financial assistance without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles. The pension amount is transferred directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts, enabling them to use the assistance for their daily expenses. The scheme is particularly significant for elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities who may have limited or no regular sources of income. With the latest disbursement, the government has reiterated its focus on expanding the coverage of social security benefits and ensuring that eligible people across Bihar are included in the programme. Officials have been directed to monitor the identification and enrolment process so that no eligible person is deprived of the monthly pension assistance. Such a disbursement could give relief to the beneficiaries ahead of the Chhath festival.
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Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Congress Parliamentary Chairperson (CPP) Sonia Gandhi recalled visiting former party Chief Sitaram Kesri's residence to seek his blessings, after being elected the party President in 1998, which left the latter surprised, Gandhi said in her memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The book, released on Tuesday, traces the events of 1998, surrounding Kesri's reported ouster as the Congress chief and the subsequent election of Sonia Gandhi to lead the grand old party. Sonia Gandhi's account of Sitaram Kesri is different from the famous controversy surrounding his removal as the Congress President. She said that after being elected as the Congress President at a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in 1998, she went directly to Kesri's residence and sought his blessings by touching his feet, according to a report by NDTV. Recalling the emotional meeting in her book, Sonia Gandhi said that Kesri was surprised by her unexpected visit. However, with tears in his (Kesri's) eyes, he placed his hand on her head and blessed her, she added. She noted that after the Congress party's defeat under the then Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao in 1996, two governments came and went before the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) eventually came to power with the support of a coalition of 20 parties. The new government was led by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who, over five decades in Parliament, had earned a reputation as a skilled politician and an influential orator. Sonia Gandhi recalled that following the election results, the party once again began a process of change. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) unanimously concluded that a leadership change was necessary. The then-Congress President Sitaram Kesri was asked to step down, and on March 14, 1998, Sonia Gandhi was elected party President in his place. Kesri ji, as I always addressed him, had been an active member of the Congress for more than six decades. Suddenly, the thought came to my mind, and I went straight from the meeting to his home. I greeted him and, following the traditional custom of showing respect to elders, touched his feet, Sonia Gandhi was quoted as saying in her memoir by NDTV. She added that Kesri was taken aback by her sudden arrival but nevertheless blessed her. His eyes filled with tears, and he placed his hand on my head. Notably, in March 1998, amid dramatic developments at the Congress headquarters on 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi, the CWC removed Sitaram Kesri from the post of party president. This cleared the way for Sonia Gandhi to take over the leadership of the party. Sitaram Kesri, who hailed from Bihar, served as the Congress President from 1996 to 1998. He passed away in 2000.
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Bihar Government Bans Firecrackers Near Ghats And Private Boat Operations During Chhath Puja
To avert crowd stampedes, boat-capsizing tragedies, and toxic air pollution, the Bihar government has enforced a strict prohibition on firecrackers near riverbanks and banned private boat operations throughout the four-day Chhath Puja celebrations.
Bihar CM launches water metro service on Ganga river ahead of Chhath, fare fixed at Rs 50
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 10 (IANS) Patna residents received a new transport facility ahead of the Chhath festival with the launch of a water metro service on the Ganga on Tuesday. The service will operate between Digha Ghat and NIT Ghat, covering a distance of around 9.5 km. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the service at Digha Ghat in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Health Minister Nishant Kumar. The water metro will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the fare fixed at Rs 50 per passenger. The service will be managed by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. Modern air-conditioned metro boats, each with a capacity of around 100 passengers, will ferry commuters along the designated route. The service is expected to provide an alternative to road transport, improve connectivity between different parts of Patna and promote tourism along the Ganga. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal had earlier announced the introduction of the water metro in Patna. With its launch, Patna becomes the second city in the country, after Kochi in Kerala, to introduce such a service. The state government is also exploring the possibility of developing passenger and tourism services on the Son, Gandak and Kosi rivers. A task force comprising officials from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Inland Waterways Authority of India and the Bihar government will soon be constituted to examine the feasibility of operating such services on these rivers. The vessels have been equipped with modern facilities and safety systems. A specialised supercharger has been installed at Gandhi Ghat to recharge the boats' batteries, with a full charge reportedly taking around 10 to 15 minutes. For passenger safety, the boats have CCTV cameras and an automatic location system, which will be monitored remotely. Three to four rescue boats will also be deployed along the route to respond to emergencies. The launch is expected to add a new dimension to urban transport in Patna while opening up further opportunities for tourism and passenger movement on the Ganga.
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Karnataka Minister Questions RSS After Seizure of 44,250 Cartridges in Bihar and Haryana
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Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has become the first urban local body in Bihar to raise funds through municipal bonds, mobilising nearly Rs 200 crore from the capital market to undertake infrastructure development projects at 15 locations across the state capital. The municipal bond listing was marked by a ceremony held at Taj City Centre in Patna on Tuesday, in the presence of Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. The corporation raised Rs 199.99 crore through its maiden municipal bond issuance on October 30, against a base issue size of Rs 100 crore. The offering received bids exceeding Rs 205 crore, reflecting strong investor interest. The bonds carry an annual coupon rate of 9.20 per cent and have a tenure of 10 years. The proceeds will be utilised to develop urban infrastructure at 15 locations across Patna, including organised vending zones, commercial complexes and other public facilities. The proposed redevelopment of New Market near Patna Junction is among the projects iden...
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Free JEE, NEET 2027 Coaching For Students: Bihar Board Opens Registrations
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Priyank Kharge questions Mohan Bhagwat over RSS
Priyank Kharge questions Mohan Bhagwat over RSS links in interstate ammunition smuggling racket Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday questioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over the alleged involvement of individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in an interstate ammunition-smuggling racket following the seizure of 44,250 live cartridges in Bihar and Haryana. He [] The post Priyank Kharge questions Mohan Bhagwat over RSS links in interstate ammunition smuggling racket appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Hyderabad gears up for Chhath Puja from November 13-16, 2026
Bihar Association urges civic bodies to make arrangements with focus on sanitation and hygiene. Telangana government has directed civic bodies and disaster management authorities to facilitate Chhath Puja at 28 locations across Hyderabad.
Theres deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC
New Delhi, Nov 10: If a public servant is arrested and kept in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension, the Supreme Court has said. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manmohan made the observation while restoring the bail granted to Vishwajeet Singh, the administrator of Sadar Hospital at Samastipur in Bihar. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 4,000 for clearing a contractual worker's pending wages of Rs 36,421. The top court set aside a Patna High Court order cancelling his bail nearly a year after it was granted. The bench said that although the amount of bribe demanded was not a relevant consideration for deciding a bail plea, the high court could have made that observation without cancelling the bail. While restoring the bail, the apex court also flagged a disturbing feature concerning the accused's service status and subsequent posting. However, there is one disturbing feature which we should not ignore. It appears that upon arrest, the appellant accused was in judicial custody for almost a period of 15 days. Once a public servant is arrested and remains in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension. Being a public servant, he could be said to have been placed under deemed suspension. No specific order is required to be passed in this regard, Justice Pardiwala said in the order dated November 6. The bench noted the information that Singh was placed under suspension but later, the suspension order came to be revoked. And, shockingly, he has been once again posted in the very same hospital and that too on the very same post. This aspect shall be looked into by the state at the earliest We expect the state to do the needful in the matter in accordance with law, the bench said. Singh challenged a July 1, 2026, order of the Patna High Court, which allowed a plea filed by the complainant and directed that the accused be taken into custody after cancelling the regular bail granted to him by the sessions court. According to the case records, an FIR was registered at the Vigilance police station in 2025 under Section 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The accused was serving as the administrator at the government-run Sadar Hospital in Samastipur when he allegedly demanded Rs 4,000 as illegal gratification for clearing the complainant's outstanding wages amounting to Rs 36,421. Following his arrest, the accused was granted bail by the sessions court. The complainant subsequently challenged the bail order before the high court, which set it aside. The top court took note of the fact that the high court had interfered with the bail order almost a year after the accused was released. It observed that the tenor of the high court's order indicated that the sessions court's reference to the bribe amount being paltry had weighed with it while deciding to cancel the bail. Ordinarily, in cases of this type, having regard to the maximum punishment that the trial court would impose, ultimately, if the accused is held to be guilty, bail is to be granted, the bench said. It added that bail may be declined in cases involving criminal antecedents or where the facts are particularly grave, it added.
Noticed Bill Clinton surreptitiously sizing up more striking women at reception: Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi, Nov 10 (PTI) The Monica Lewinsky scandal had subsided when Bill Clinton came to India in 2000 but old habits die hard, says Sonia Gandhi in her memoir, recalling the then US president every now and then surreptitiously sizing up the more striking women at a reception. The Clinton anecdote is among the many interactions with world leaders, including Princess Diana and Nicolas Sarkozy, Gandhi has recounted in her just released book Belonging: A Journey Of Love. She talks at length about a reception then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee hosted in Clintons honour. President Bill Clinton was
'Was Sizing Up Women At Reception': Sonia Gandhi Recalls Bill Clinton's Visit
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BAU Project Associate I Recruitment 2026
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (BAU) has released the notification for the post of Project Associate-I. Eligible candidates can send their applications by email till 21 November 2026. Further details are available at bausabour.ac.in.
Sonia Gandhi's memoir Belonging: A Journey Of Love recalled Clinton's 2000 visit to India. She says she noticed Bill Clinton discreetly looking at women during a reception hosted by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She also recounts Sarkozy's 2008 visit without Carla Bruni and his later appearance with her after their marriage. The memoir includes her memories of meeting Princess Diana, describing her warmth, charm and difficult marriage to Prince Charles.
Bihar to host convention in January to draw up roadmap for state's development
The 'Global Convention on Transforming Bihar 2027' will be held on January 12 and 13 in Patna
Two teens killed as trailer truck rams motorcycle in Bihar's Aurangabad
Digital Desk | Aurangabad, Nov 10 (IANS) Two teenagers were killed, and another youth was critically injured after a speeding trailer truck collided with their motorcycle on National Highway-139 in Bihar's Aurangabad district, officials said on Tuesday. The three young men were reportedly travelling to a relative's house to attend a meal organised after a goat was sacrificed on the occasion of Govardhan Puja. The accident took place late last night near Chatra Mor, under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil police station area, when a speeding trailer truck collided head-on with the motorcycle carrying the three youths. Two of them died in the accident, while the third sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Narendra Paswan and 19-year-old Pachu Kumar Paswan. Both were residents of Gheura village under the jurisdiction of the Risiyap police station. The injured youth has been identified as 18-year-old Sonu Kumar. The truck driver reportedly fled from the scene along with the vehicle after the accident. Local residents immediately informed the Mufassil police station about the incident. After receiving the information, police personnel reached the spot and, with the assistance of villagers, shifted the injured youths to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, RJD leader Subodh Kumar and local villagers have levelled serious allegations against the police team that reached the spot through the '112' emergency response service. They alleged that the police waited for a considerable period for an ambulance to arrive, delaying the transportation of the injured to the hospital. During this time, Pachu reportedly lost a significant amount of blood and eventually died. The villagers and RJD leader claimed that Pachu's life might have been saved had the police immediately shifted him to the hospital instead of waiting for an ambulance. They alleged that excessive blood loss during the delay led to his death. Meanwhile, the increasing number of road accidents on NH-139 in Aurangabad has triggered serious concern among residents. In a span of just 24 hours, four people have reportedly lost their lives in three separate road accidents, raising fresh questions about road safety and the need for urgent intervention. Questioning how many more lives would have to be lost before the authorities acted, the RJD leader and residents demanded an immediate and lasting solution to the problem. They announced that an all-party meeting would be convened in Aurangabad after the Chhath Puja, following which an indefinite blockade of National Highway-139 would be organised. They said the road would remain blocked until a concrete solution was reached. Meanwhile, following the latest accident, local villagers staged a road blockade, demanding immediate compensation for the families of the deceased. The protest disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. The blockade was eventually called off after officials reached the spot, intervened and persuaded the protesting villagers to clear the road. An investigation into the case is underway, and further details are awaited.
BSSC Stenographer Exam Date 2026 Out - Check CBT Schedule at bssc.bihar.gov.in
The Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) has announced the BSSC Stenographer Exam Date 2026 for Stenographer / Steno Typist Grade-III posts under Advertisement No. 07/25. The written examination will be held on 01 December 2026 (Tuesday) in online Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, in two shifts. A total of 531 posts are being filled through this recruitment.
Bihar School Librarian Eligibility Test 2026 Rescheduled: Check New Exam Date
The Bihar SLET 2026 exam date has been postponed, now the exam will be conducted on November 23, 2026 instead of November 22, 2026.
LG highlights dev under PM Modi's leadership
Jammu, Nov 09: Commending the developmental progress achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday highlighted historic transformation in connectivity, education, healthcare, digital infrastructure and local economic activities such as homestays, organic farming, handicrafts, tourism and start-ups in Uttarakhand. He was speaking at the celebration of the 26th Foundation Day of Uttarakhand at Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan, where he extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the State, saying the day celebrates the rich cultural, spiritual and civilisational heritage of Uttarakhand. The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalling his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment that led to the creation of Uttarakhand. He noted that Vajpayee understood the long-standing aspirations of the people of the hill region and transformed them into reality. Describing Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, Sinha said the State embodies India's spiritual consciousness through the grandeur of the Himalayas, the sacred flow of the Ganga and the rich traditions of faith and devotion. Referring to the revered shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, he said the pilgrimage of faith represents India's cultural continuity and civilisational values. In the caves of the Himalayas, our sages and seers kindled the light of knowledge. On its peaks, the tradition of austerity flourished, and in its valleys flowed the streams of devotion, compassion, and humanity. The Ganga and Yamuna flowing from Gangotri and Yamunotri, Badrinath dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Kedarnath, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, all are invaluable symbols of our faith, our cultural continuity, and our civilisational identity, he said. Sinha said the Ganga is not merely a river but a symbol of India's cultural heritage, spiritual traditions and life-giving values, urging the younger generation to recognise the importance of preserving its purity and uninterrupted flow as both an environmental and moral responsibility. Highlighting Uttarakhand's inclusive spiritual heritage, he said Hemkund Sahib, Gurudwara Meetha Reetha Sahib and the Mindrolling Monastery are symbols of harmony, coexistence and mutual respect among diverse faiths. The proclamation of our ancient Vedic tradition is 'Ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanti', truth is one and the wise describe it in many ways. I believe that this diversity of Uttarakhand tells us that India's strength lies in the coexistence, mutual respect, and harmony of its diverse faiths, he said. The LG also lauded Uttarakhand's contribution to literature, art, music and national service, describing the State as both Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi and expressing gratitude to the armed forces, veterans and families of brave soldiers from the region. He referred to the Garhwal style of painting, which developed in the seventeenth century, and to the popularity of Uttarakhand's folk songs in India and abroad. Just as the Ganga and Yamuna, emerging from the soil of Uttarakhand, connect many regions and nourish India's public life, in the same way the cultural consciousness of 'Devbhoomi' binds the entire nation in a thread of emotional unity, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Postpone panchayat, municipal elections to April-May next year: Ladakh group
We suspect that this government is up to some mischief. We saw vote chori in West Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, Maharashtra etc. In entire India 13 crore voters were dropped from the voter list. Ladakh is a small region and fraud is easy, said Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) chairman Tsering Dorjey Lakrook
NFRs RPF rescues eight children, assists two women during childbirth
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Nov 9 (IANS) The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) rescued eight children, including six boys and two girls, from different locations across its jurisdiction and provided assistance to two women during childbirth, railway officials said on Monday. The RPF also apprehended four persons and made recoveries valued at approximately Rs 2.08 crore during various operations, the officials added. NFRs Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that the eight children were rescued at Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, Katihar (in Bihar), New Jalpaiguri (in North Bengal) and Guwahati railway stations between November 4 and 6. During the same period, RPF personnel provided medical assistance to two women who gave birth aboard trains at Agartala and Lumding. Sharma said that the RPF personnel and the Sashastra Seema Bal rescued a girl aboard at Rangiya and handed her over to the Government Railway Police on November 4. At New Bongaigaon, personnel rescued another girl and placed her in the care of the Sakhi One Stop Centre. Teams also rescued one boy each at Katihar, New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati on November 4. On November 6, the RPF personnel rescued two more boys at Rangiya and one at New Jalpaiguri. All six boys were entrusted to child protection agencies for further care, the CPRO said. In another incident on November 4, RPF personnel at Agartala assisted a passenger who gave birth to a boy aboard a train. An ambulance took her to hospital in Agartala for further care. On November 5, a lady head constable and a team from the Railway Protection Force assisted a passenger who gave birth to a baby girl aboard a train at Lumding Railway Station. In separate security operations, the teams apprehended four persons in four cases. They recovered four pistols and four magazines at Badarpur, four pieces of fake gold valued at approximately Rs 20,000 at Harmuti, 1.031 kilograms of brown sugar valued at approximately Rs 2 crore at New Jalpaiguri and a stolen mobile phone valued at approximately Rs 17,000 at Kamakhya, near Guwahati. Other recoveries included 13.06 kilograms of ganja valued at approximately Rs 6.80 lakh and 449 bottles of liquor. A further 6,750 litres of liquor were seized at Katihar. Northeast Frontier Railway remains committed to safeguarding children and providing timely assistance to passengers through close coordination with police, healthcare providers and child protection agencies, an official statement said. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of North Bihar.
Bihar govt bans firecrackers, private boat operations near ghats ahead of Chhath Puja
PM Modi to visit Bihar on November 21 as NDA government completes one year in the State
Five-day winter session of the Assembly begins on Nov. 30, second supplementary Budget to be presented
Bihar: NDA prepares grand welcome for PM Modis Nov 21 visit
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Preparations have intensified across Bihar for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to the state on November 21, with the ruling NDA alliance aiming to make the programme a major political and development event. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public rally in the Jafarpatti industrial area of Vaishali district. Administrative preparations are also underway for the inauguration and foundation-stone laying of projects linked to the Vaishali industrial corridor. The visit assumes significance as the NDA government in Bihar is set to complete one year in office on November 20. The alliance plans to showcase its achievements over the past year and outline its development agenda during the Prime Minister's programme. For Bihar, the visit has raised expectations of fresh announcements relating to industrial investment, infrastructure, employment generation and central assistance. The state has long faced challenges relating to limited revenue resources, industrial growth and job creation, making major development projects a key priority for the government. Among the projects expected to feature during the visit is a six-lane bridge over the Ganga in the Raghopur area. Projects associated with the proposed industrial corridor, spread across approximately 1,650 acres in Vaishali, are also being prepared for inauguration or foundation-stone laying. Other projects being discussed in the context of Bihar's development include the Patna-Purnea Expressway, a proposed Central University in Bhagalpur and a greenfield airport at Sultanganj. However, the final list of projects and announcements for the Prime Minister's visit is awaited. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha said all NDA constituents had begun preparations to ensure a grand welcome for PM Modi. Whenever the Prime Minister visits Bihar, he brings various gifts in the form of development initiatives for the state. We have high expectations of him this time as well. We want to make his visit historic, with public participation breaking previous records, Kushwaha said. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi said the visit would mark the completion of one year of the NDA government in Bihar. All constituent parties are united in preparing for the Prime Minister's visit. He has special affection for Bihar and has consistently supported the state's development. We expect a major announcement for Bihar on November 21, Saraogi said.
Bihar 'Bahubali' Preps For Daughter's Wedding. Guest List May Cross 4 Lakh
Shivangi Singh, Anant Singh's daughter, will marry Rishikesh Kumar on November 25 at their ancestral home in Ladma. Preparations for the wedding are being made on a war footing.
Wife, Indian Man Held For Husband's Murder In Nepal
A Nepali woman and her Indian accomplice have been arrested in Nepal's Morang district for allegedly killing her husband with an iron rod. The victim, Budha Ram Soren, was killed on Sunday by his wife, Kamala Baske, and Sunil Mishra, a resident of Bihar.
BPBCC Superintending Engineer Recruitment 2026
Bihar Police Building Construction Corporation (Bihar Police Bhawan Nirman Nigam), a (BPBCC) is conducting a Walk-in Interview for the post of Superintending Engineer. Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 30 November 2026. Candidates should report at 10:30 AM. Further details are available at bpbcc.bihar.gov.in.
School Holiday Schedule for November 2026: Key Dates and Updates
November 2026 brings significant school holidays across India, with various states observing closures for festivals like Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. This article outlines the holiday schedules in states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, highlighting when schools will reopen and the differences in holiday durations. Parents and students can find essential information on upcoming holidays and school schedules to plan accordingly.
Three Rajasthan residents among dead in bus accident on Lucknow-Agra Expressway (Ld)
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 9 (IANS) Three Rajasthan residents were killed, and more than 40 others were injured after a luxury bus carrying passengers from Bhiwadi to Bihar overturned and plunged into a 40-foot-deep ditch on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, officials said. The bus was ferrying passengers heading home for the Chhath festival when the accident occurred near Zero Point, under the Para police station area. According to the fire department, the Bihar-registered bus was travelling from Bhiwadi in Rajasthan to Chhapra in Bihar, carrying passengers returning home for the Chhath festival. The accident occurred near Zero Point, under the jurisdiction of the Para police station, around 30 km from the district headquarters. More than 50 police personnel, two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire department personnel participated in the rescue operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that a tyre burst may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. According to police, around 50-55 passengers were travelling on the bus. More than 40 sustained injuries, several of them serious. Two of the three deceased have been identified as Shankar Rajjak (63) and Shamli Rai (43), both residents of Chhapra, Bihar. The third victim, a male passenger, is yet to be identified. Some passengers have alleged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Pankaj Sharma, one of the passengers, claimed that the driver was intoxicated and that the bus overturned less than 10 minutes after the journey began. Another injured passenger, Vikas Kumar, who was admitted to Lokbandhu Hospital, also alleged that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. He said he and his parents were injured when the bus plunged into the ditch. However, these allegations are yet to be independently verified. Passenger Jitendra Yadav said that there were two drivers on the bus. The driver who had been driving through the night reportedly went to sleep around 7 a.m., after which the second driver, who had been resting, took charge of the vehicle. According to Yadav, the accident occurred less than 10 minutes after the change of drivers. Dr Amitabh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Lokbandhu Hospital, said the hospital received information about the accident at around 7 a.m. A total of 32 passengers were brought to the hospital, of whom two were declared dead on arrival. Five patients with serious head or spinal injuries were referred to King George's Medical University (KGMU) for further treatment. The remaining injured patients are being treated at Lokbandhu Hospital, where 25 patients were reported to be admitted. Dr Srivastava is personally monitoring the treatment and condition of the injured. According to the available vehicle records, the bus's fitness certificate was valid until August 5, 2027, while its insurance was valid until July 31, 2027. The pollution certificate was valid until August 6, 2027, and the vehicle permit until December 2, 2030. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be established, and further investigation is underway.
Tejashwi Yadav targets Bihar govt over rising crime; calls for politics focused on jobs
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) RJD National Working President and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Monday targeted the state government over the law and order situation, alleging that incidents of gunfire, robbery and crimes against women and girls had become commonplace. Speaking to party leaders and workers at the RJD office in Patna on his 37th birthday, Tejashwi alleged that crime was continuing unabated in Bihar while the government remained silent. He said he wanted to see a Bihar free from corruption, crime, robbery and exploitation, and called for politics focused on employment and public welfare rather than hatred. Tejashwi urged RJD leaders and workers to carry forward the ideals of party founder Lalu Prasad Yadav with renewed determination. He asked them to reject divisive politics and take the party's message to every village and household. He also appealed to people to maintain a positive outlook and participate in future struggles and movements, expressing confidence that public support and affection would strengthen the party's political efforts in Bihar. The RJD leader thanked party leaders, workers and journalists who attended the birthday celebration. He said the affection shown by people reflected their trust and encouraged the party to continue working towards its political objectives. The celebration was marked by the cutting of a 37-pound cake in the presence of senior party leaders and workers. Slogans wishing Tejashwi a long life and birthday greetings were raised as he cut the cake. Sweets and pieces of cake were subsequently distributed among those present. The programme was organised under the chairmanship of RJD state president Mangni Lal Mandal. State vice-president Dr Tanveer Hassan and party spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed conducted the proceedings. Mandal felicitated Tejashwi by presenting him with a shawl and a bouquet. He said the enthusiasm surrounding the birthday celebration reflected the trust and affection people had for the RJD leader. He also said such gatherings could promote social harmony and give a new direction to Bihar's politics. The event witnessed the participation of party leaders and workers, who extended their birthday wishes to Tejashwi.
Bengal: Mother refuses to attend last rites of son killed in Raiganj encounter
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) The mother of Dilip Roy, the prime accused in the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district, who was shot dead in a police encounter in Raiganj, on Monday stated that she would not attend her son's final rites. Speaking to media persons, Chania Roy expressed deep shame over her son's actions, stating, It is better not to have such a sinful son; I will not even go to the crematorium. She added, He has done such a thing; he is no longer in a position to show his face in the village. He is gone. It is good. That's what I want. Describing him as her only son, Chania Roy said he had left home at a very young age and maintained little contact with his family, offering no support to his ageing father. She noted that the grief of losing a child was completely overshadowed by the heinous nature of the crime. Residents revealed that allegations against Dilip were not unprecedented. Sixteen years ago, he was accused of physically abusing the six-year-old daughter of a relative, which caused widespread outrage in the village. At that time, neighbours attacked his home and assaulted him, following which Dilip sold one katha of his mother's land to pay compensation to the victim's family. A resident remarked that such severe crimes cannot be forgiven and that justice had been served. Dilip Roy was killed during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday after police launched a raid near Gauri Gram Panchayat around 3 a.m., following a tip-off that he was attempting to flee across the nearby Bihar border. According to law enforcement officials, officers moved to arrest Roy after tracking his whereabouts, but the accused opened fire on the raiding team. Police retaliated in self-defence, inflicting fatal injuries. Roy was transported to Raiganj Medical College & Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, with an autopsy scheduled for later in the day. The encounter follows the recovery of the victim's semi-decomposed body on November 6 from the nearby Kulik forest, two days after the 12-year-old went missing on November 3 after leaving her home on a bicycle. This incident marks the fourth fatal police encounter in West Bengal since July this year, three of which involve cases related to the rape and murder of minors.
Three killed as two motorcycles collide in Bihar's Siwan on Diwali night
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) Three young men were killed and two others injured after two motorcycles collided head-on near Jhulapur village in Bihar's Siwan district on Diwali night, police said. The accident occurred late Sunday evening under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil police station. Two of the victims died on the spot, while the third succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Siwan Sadar Hospital. The deceased have been identified as Mukesh Mahto and Golu Kumar, both residents of Rasulpur village in Siwan, and Sanish Kumar, a resident of Sanah Mathiya village under the Manjhagarh police station area of neighbouring Gopalganj district. According to preliminary information, Mukesh and Golu were returning to their village from Siwan with their friend Abhishek when their motorcycle collided with another bike coming from the opposite direction. The second motorcycle was reportedly carrying Sanish and another person. The impact was so severe that two young men died at the scene. Three others, including Golu, were rushed to Sadar Hospital. However, Golu later succumbed to his injuries. The remaining injured are undergoing treatment. The accident has devastated Sanish's family, which was preparing for two major family occasions. His 'tilak' ceremony was scheduled for November 19, while his sister's wedding is planned for November 21. Preparations for the wedding were underway when the family received news of his death. Meanwhile, relatives of the victims have raised questions over the emergency medical facilities at Siwan Sadar Hospital. They alleged that an ambulance was not provided promptly, even after a referral was issued for better medical treatment. According to the family members, they repeatedly tried to contact the 102 ambulance service, but their calls did not go through. They claimed that an ambulance eventually reached the hospital premises, but Golu had already died by then. There was no official response from the hospital administration regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report. Police have initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the collision. Further details are awaited.
Two brothers killed, six injured as SUV reverses into crowd after temple music row
Buxar officials celebrate Diwali in Mahadalit Basti
Man found murdered, body dumped in Buxar bushes
Experts flag gaps in consumer justice delivery at CUSB seminar
Bihar STET 2026 Exam Date Revised: November 11 Paper Postponed to 22
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has revised the examination schedule for the Bihar Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2026 once again. According to the latest announcement, the examination scheduled for November 11, 2026, has been postponed to November
PMC plans mobile courts to crack down on littering in city
Delhi-Varanasi-Guwahati: India's North Bullet Train Corridor Plan | Route, Stops & Travel Time
Indias proposed North Bullet Train Corridor is set to connect Delhi with major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, extending up to Guwahati. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared indicative travel times, including 59 minutes between Delhi and Agra, 3 hours and 33 minutes between Delhi and Varanasi, and around six hours between Delhi and Siliguri. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Delhi-Guwahati journey could take less than eight hours. The proposed route also includes the strategically important Chicken Neck corridor. However, the project remains at the planning stage, with its final alignment, stations, construction schedule and detailed project report yet to be finalised.
Disbelief in Bihar family of youth arrested in attack on Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff
With the arrest of Hritik Kumar along with two others in firing incident at Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, its the death of a dream as well for the family
A man accused of raping and murdering his 12-year-old niece in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district was killed in an exchange of fire with police early on Monday (November 9). The accused, identified as Dilip Roy, allegedly opened fire at a police team during a raid near the Bengal-Bihar border, prompting personnel to retaliate in self-defence.
Dimagi naxals trying to stall nation's progress through instability, anarchy: Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan launched a veiled attack on the opposition during a recent press interaction. He emphasised the need to reject individuals he termed as 'dimagi naxals' attempting to disrupt national progress. Pradhan supported PM Modi's comments made during his address to paramilitary personnel in Chhattisgarh. He also expressed hope that the upcoming visit of the PM to Vaishali will enhance growth in Bihar.
Bihar Vidhan Sabha Recruitment 2026
Bihar Vidhan Sabha Sachivalaya has invited online applications for 54 vacancies, including Assistant Section Officer and Assistant Caretaker posts. Applications can be submitted at vidhansabha.bihar.gov.in from 07 November 2026 to 27 November 2026.
Bus Travelling To Bihar Overturns On Lucknow-Agra Expressway Killing 3 And Injuring 45
A bus carrying around 50 passengers overturned near Zero Point, killing three and injuring around 45, while rescue teams pulled 1516 passengers, including a child, to safety.
Prashant Kishores Brahminical criticism of BJPs Hindutva
The Jan Suraaj party founder urges Brahmins in Bihars Mithila to rethink BJP Hindutva, linking secularism, social justice, and Muslim-OBC political coalitions
Our firm resolve to build Uttarakhand that fulfils dreams of those who fought for it: CM Dhami
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the statehood movement on the occasion of the state's 26th Foundation Day and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support and development initiatives in the state. The chief minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the Martyrs' Memorial located at the Shaheed Sthal, Court Campus premises in Dehradun. Dhami also remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during whose tenure Uttarakhand was formed, and reiterated the state's commitment to fulfilling his vision that the third decade of the 21st century would belong to Uttarakhand. Speaking to reporters at Police Lines in Dehradun, the Chief Minister paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the statehood movement and extended his greetings to the people on the occasion. CM Dhami says, On the occasion of our State Foundation Day, I pay my heartfelt tributes to all our martyrs and the acti...
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday slammed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Diwali an Eid of happiness. He accused the Congress of appeasing a minority community and termed Kharge a mouthpiece of the Gandhi family. Look, this isn't just a thing. Kharge is a mouthpiece of Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family. He speaks what the input in the machine is. You're playing the game of appeasement in this country... Nehru divided the country, and you've been practising appeasement politics ever since. You try to divide Hindus and appease Muslims. Your tongue, Rahul Gandhi's tongue, will never open on Irfan Ansari. Four lines on Hindu festivals, no good words, Singh told ANI. Kharge's remarks sparked a political row, with the BJP terming it Congress' attempt to appease a vote bank ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi termed it a conspiracy at the behest of the Gandhi family. The Congress party has become so blind that it is seek...
Kharge's Diwali greeting sparks row; Sanjay Saraogi accuses Congress of appeasement politics
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 9 (IANS) BJP Bihar President, Sanjay Saraogi, on Monday criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his Diwali greetings, accusing the Congress of promoting appeasement politics and hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. Speaking to IANS, Saraogi said, Blinded by the lure of vote-bank politics, the Congress has reached a point where it seeks to push its ugly appeasement politics even during this Sanatan festival, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The poison of hatred towards Hindus running through the veins of the Congress party is now openly reflected in the words of its leaders. He further alleged that Kharge had insulted the faith of 110 crore Hindus by describing Diwali as the Eid of happiness. By making such a statement about our auspicious festival, Diwali, Kharge is hurting the faith of 110 crore Hindus. This is a very low-level conspiracy by the Congress. The people of India will not tolerate this at any cost. Insulting Sanatan Dharma and our culture is not right, especially by connecting Diwali with Eid. If they have enough courage, they should connect Eid with Diwali as well. The people of this country will not tolerate this politics of appeasement, he told IANS. Kharge's remarks on the occasion of Diwali have triggered a political controversy, with the BJP questioning his choice of words. While extending Diwali greetings to the people, the Congress President described the festival as the Eid of happiness, saying it was a celebration of joy that brought people together and provided an opportunity to meet family members and loved ones. Kharge said Diwali was one of India's major festivals and was celebrated collectively by people. Describing it as a symbol of happiness, harmony and mutual goodwill, he said, Diwali is the Eid of happiness, an Eid that lasts for many days. In his message, Kharge also emphasised the need to maintain peace, remove mutual misunderstandings and strengthen national unity. He said festivals provided an opportunity to bring people closer and promote social harmony and brotherhood. However, his remarks drew criticism from the BJP, which accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics and turning a festive greeting into a political controversy.
Bus Carrying 50-60 Passengers Overturns On Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Rescue Operation Underway
Several passengers were injured after a bus carrying around 50 to 60 people overturned and plunged into a ditch along the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Lucknow on Monday morning. The bus was travelling from Rewari towards Chhapra in Bihar when the accident
Digital Desk | Dehradun, Nov 9 (IANS) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday extended heartfelt Foundation Day greetings to Uttarakhand's people and said the government is working to fulfil the dreams of the statehood movement activists and build a developed state for future generations. Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi (the land of gods), was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000, becoming the 27th state of India. The Foundation Day stands as a tribute to its journey from a people's movement to a model of balanced development, faith, and modernity. Taking to X, CM Dhami said, On the sacred occasion of Uttarakhand Statehood Day, I bow in deepest reverence to all the immortal statehood movement activists who sacrificed everything for the creation of the state, and extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state. The Chief Minister mentioned that it was through the visionary leadership, compassionate outlook and firm political will of the former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee that Uttarakhand became a separate state. Over the past 26 years, our state has charted a distinctive path of development amid numerous challenges and opportunities. Today, Uttarakhand is establishing its distinct identity at the national and international levels through its rich cultural heritage, spiritual consciousness, natural wealth and human potential, he said. CM Dhami further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government is committed to taking the state's inherent capabilities to new heights by harmonising development with heritage. We are striving to ensure that the benefits of development reach even those at the farthest margins of society, that young people have greater opportunities, that women become self-reliant, that farmers prosper, and that new avenues for development and livelihoods are created in border areas, he said. Our resolve is not merely to expand basic amenities, but to build a Uttarakhand that is economically strong, socially inclusive, environmentally balanced and culturally rooted in its heritage, he said. I am fully confident that, through the collective strength, public participation and unwavering resolve of the people of the state, we will fulfil the dreams of the statehood movement activists and build a Viksit Uttarakhand for future generations, CM Dhami added.
J&K Draft Mountain Policy proposes new authority, law to act against violations
Srinagar, Nov 8:The draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 proposes a dedicated authority empowered to inspect construction sites, impose fines, seal structures, and order restoration of damaged areas, along with a separate law to regulate development in the Union Territory's ecologically fragile mountain regions. The draft policy, dated October 12, proposes the creation of a J&K Mountain Development Council, headed by the Chief Minister, and a Mountain Development Authority to oversee implementation, coordinate government departments and enforce mountain-specific regulations. Emphasising the need for statutory backing, the document states: A policy without legal teeth becomes a document on a shelf. It further declares: This Policy shall move to law within one year. The proposed J&K Sustainable Mountain Development Act is envisaged within 12 months of the policy's approval. It would provide the legal framework for the proposed Authority, mountain sensitivity zones, Mountain Green Cess, Mountain Impact and Risk Screen, a dedicated fund and penalties for violations. Under the proposed governance structure, the Mountain Development Council would provide policy direction and resolve inter-departmental differences, while the Mountain Development Authority would function as the executive arm, translating policy decisions into regulations, permits and monitoring mechanisms. The Authority would also be responsible for notifying mountain sensitivity zones, determining carrying-capacity limits and implementing the proposed Mountain Building Code. A key provision of the draft is the establishment of a dedicated enforcement wing within the proposed Authority. The document proposes that the wing be vested with powers to inspect, fine, seal and order restoration. It envisages graded penalties, with higher fines for repeat violations, while the cost of restoring environmentally damaged areas would be recovered from those responsible. The draft also proposes satellite and drone-based monitoring of construction, road cutting, muck dumping and encroachments in Zones A and B. A public complaint application has also been proposed to enable citizens to report violations through photographs, with time-bound action on complaints. Seeking accountability within the government machinery, the policy states that officials granting permissions in violation of its provisions should face disciplinary action. The proposed enforcement mechanism is intended to strengthen surveillance and action against unauthorised construction, indiscriminate road cutting, dumping of excavated material and encroachments in ecologically sensitive mountain areas. The draft seeks to bring different government departments under a common implementation framework while allowing them to retain their respective responsibilities. The Policy shall set the direction; the concerned Departments shall define the rules, standards, targets and pathways for delivery, in consultation with each other and the designated Mountain Knowledge Centres, the document states. It proposes that each department prepare detailed guidelines and action plans within six months of the policy's notification. These plans would identify the activities requiring regulation, implementation responsibilities, targets, timelines and monitoring mechanisms. The departmental plans would be reviewed by the proposed J&K Mountain Development Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. The Tourism Department has been assigned responsibilities relating to visitor limits, the proposed J&K Mountain Pass, cess collection and regulation of adventure tourism. The Housing and Urban Development Department would be responsible for the proposed Mountain Building Code, hill-town master plans and hotel audits. The Public Works Department would oversee mountain infrastructure standards, including muck disposal and drainage compliance, while the Jal Shakti Department would handle water-resource protection, preparation of a proposed Spring Atlas and sewage treatment. The draft also assigns responsibilities to the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Disaster Management Department, Transport Department, Rural Development Department and other agencies. The policy proposes a non-lapsable J&K Mountain Green Fund to finance conservation, ecological restoration and other activities under the proposed framework. The fund is envisaged to receive money through the proposed green cess, trekking and expedition fees, penalties, contributions from government departments and Shrine Boards, corporate social responsibility initiatives and climate-related funding. A key provision states that cess collected at a particular destination should be spent at that destination and cannot be diverted elsewhere. The document also proposes publication of site-wise accounts on a public dashboard and annual audits to ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds. The proposed Authority would place an annual report on the condition of J&K's mountains before the Legislative Assembly. The report would cover targets, regulatory compliance, cess collections and expenditure, and disaster-related outcomes. The draft proposes establishing a J&K Mountain Knowledge Centre at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir. The proposed centre would undertake carrying-capacity studies, prepare mountain sensitivity maps and monitor glaciers, springs, biodiversity and land-use changes. It is envisaged as a technical and scientific support institution for evidence-based policymaking and implementation of the proposed mountain regulations. The Draft Jammu and Kashmir Sustainable Mountain Development Policy 2026 has been prepared by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), New Delhi. Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is specifically named among the eight policy draft contributors listed in the document. The other contributors are Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, SKUAST-Kashmir; Dr. Rajan K. Kotru, Councillor, IMI and Lead Strategist, Redefined Sustainable Thinking; Prof. Akhlaq A. Wani, Head, Department of Natural Resource Management; Associate Professor Nazir A. Pala, Head, Department of Silviculture and Agro-forestry; Dr. Khursheed A. Dar, Professor of Sericulture; Dr. Aasif A. Gatoo, Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resource Management; and Dr. Amir Farooq, Assistant Professor, Department of Wildlife Sciences. The document separately acknowledges the support and guidance of Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Government of J&K, and Babila Rakwal, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, for their support under the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress 2026. The draft was reviewed by institutions including the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Policy Research and International Studies, and SYSTEMIQ, London. The individual reviewers named in the document include Ashok Jain, former PCCF, Telangana; Brij Mohan Singh Rathore, former PCCF, Madhya Pradesh; and Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General, Indian Institute of Sustainable Development.
Bihar Police Arrest Cyber Fraudsters With Pakistan Contacts
Two individuals were arrested in Bihar's East Champaran district for cyber fraud and alleged connections to Pakistani contacts, following a raid that uncovered suspicious mobile communications and financial transactions.
Four Police Personnel Injured In Lakhisarai Raid Attack
Four police personnel, including a female constable, were injured when a group of people attacked a police team raiding premises involved in illegal liquor trade and gambling in Bihar's Lakhisarai district on Sunday. An FIR has been registered against 19 named accused and 20-25 unidentified individuals, with 12 arrests made so far.
Bihar Teacher Eligibility Test 2026 Postponed To November 22; Admit Cards To Release on November 12
According to officials, the change has been introduced after November 11 was declared a public holiday on account of Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja.
FairPoint: A mother's defence cannot hide a son's electoral failures
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) It is not uncommon for a mother to defend her child, whatever the circumstances. It is a deeply ingrained human instinct. So, when Sonia Gandhi says Congress and other Opposition parties have not had a level playing field since 2014, it appears to be little more than a mother coming to her son's defence. She says the BJP has a complete stranglehold over all institutions, particularly the Election Commission. The veteran leader also claims that the mainstream media has been controlled, and that the ruling party is using money power and exploiting religion. No doubt, this is a mother's explanation for her son's inability to gain power despite having been in politics and 'working so hard' since 2004, when Rahul Gandhi took the political plunge. A mother's defence of her son is understandable and, in many ways, even praiseworthy. But the repeated electoral defeats since she and, subsequently, her son took charge of the Congress party raise a much bigger question. Sonia Gandhi became the party president in 1998, several years after the death of Rajiv Gandhi in a major terror attack in Tamil Nadu on May 21, 1991. Since then, Congress has seen a steady decline, except once, in 2009, when it went past 200 in the Lok Sabha on its own. No matter whom she blames for the losses, the truth about the grand old party today is that its decline has been gradual, with each successive election taking it further down the political ladder. Over the past three decades, the party has struggled to retain its position as the country's dominant political force. In 2004, Congress won 145 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, with a vote share of 26.53 per cent (10,34,08,949 votes). The BJP won 138 seats. Congress, along with its allies, formed the government at the Centre under the UPA banner, with outside support from the Left Front, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. Sonia Gandhi became UPA chairperson, while Manmohan Singh took over as Prime Minister. It was also in 2004 that Rahul Gandhi entered active politics by contesting and winning his first Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. He did not hold any ministerial portfolio or formal Cabinet position, but his political standing within the party was already significant. In 2009, Congress won 206 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, gaining 61 seats over its 2004 tally. Its vote share rose to 28.55 per cent (11,91,11,019 votes). Sonia Gandhi continued as UPA chairperson, and Manmohan Singh remained Prime Minister in UPA-II. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, had become the General Secretary of the party in September 2007 and was given charge of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). He was appointed Congress Vice-President on January 19, 2013, and, four years later, in December 2017, succeeded his mother as party president. The party lost power in 2014, and when the defeat was repeated in 2019, Rahul Gandhi resigned as Congress president, taking moral responsibility for the party's electoral performance. In a four-page open letter, he stressed that accountability was critical for the party's future and called upon the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to find his successor. Since Rahul began exercising considerable influence over the party's decision-making, particularly from 2009 onwards, Congress has reportedly lost 71 of the 83 Assembly elections it has contested. This is apart from its continued inability to return to power at the Centre. From being in power in 11 states in 2014, the party is now down to four. The success of any political leader is ultimately measured by electoral victories, and Rahul Gandhi's record falls woefully short. Considering his political lineage, his performance so far has been particularly disappointing. His great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's Congress dominated the country's political landscape and ruled more than three-fourths of the states. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi, won three Lok Sabha elections, two of them with huge majorities, and under her leadership, Congress ruled over more than two-thirds of the states. Even his mother, Sonia Gandhi, did a commendable job, achieving what had seemed almost impossible. Despite the party being out of power at the Centre from 1996 to 2004, she managed Congress's return in 2004. Rahul Gandhi may no longer be the president of his party, but he continues to remain its principal power centre and de facto chief. No major or minor decisions are taken without his involvement and approval. So, when the party continues to slump, he cannot escape responsibility. Yet, he has failed to find the right strategy or take the necessary steps to arrest the decline, let alone bring about a revival. He has consistently failed to present an alternative model of governance. Instead, his principal political ammunition has been to demean Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launch personal attacks, question Indian democracy on foreign shores, and even hold meetings and parleys with individuals known for their anti-India positions. There has been little in the way of a positive political narrative or a credible governance model that the electorate can look forward to. His politics has largely revolved around attacking the ruling dispensation rather than presenting what a Congress government would do differently. What he has found instead is the SIR and 'vote chori' narrative. He tried hard to make it a major electoral issue in Bihar and West Bengal, but the results did not go his way. Despite the lack of any widespread public acceptance of these allegations, Rahul continues to raise the issue of vote theft. And standing firmly behind him is his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who appears equally convinced that her son is losing elections because of electoral manipulation. The decline of Congress as the country's dominant political party is a fact. Blaming institutions, the media or the ruling party may provide temporary political comfort, but it cannot explain away repeated electoral failures. A political party cannot keep fighting elections on the premise that the system is against it. At some point, it has to look within and ask why voters are unwilling to give it another chance. There cannot be a bigger disappointment than watching a rocket firecracker fail to take off, only to fizzle out near the very glass bottle from which it was supposed to make a grand launch. The excitement disappears, the claps stop midway, and the expected spectacle never materialises. Yet, there are always voices urging another attempt, hoping that the next launch will finally succeed. But merely lighting another firecracker will not change the outcome. Sometimes the entire approach needs to change, and a fresh beginning is required to get the desired result. It is high time Sonia Gandhi understood this. A mother can certainly help her child find the right direction, but she cannot keep defending every failure. In a democracy, it is the people's mandate that decides who governs the country. No amount of street protests, allegations, or political rhetoric can substitute for that mandate. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
Bihar STET 2026: Check The Revised Exam Date, Admit Card Details
The Bihar STET exam date has been revised, now the exam will be conducted on November 22, 2026 instead of November 11, 2026. As November 11 has been declared as the public holiday on the account of Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Puja.
Delhi Building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, rescue operation underway
The death toll in the three-storey building collapse in central Delhi's Hauz Qazi area rose to seven on Sunday after another body was recovered from the debris, with rescue operations underway for more than 70 hours, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Luchhuman Mukhiya, 66, a resident of Bihar's Darbhanga. His body was recovered during the ongoing search and rescue operation at the collapsed structure near Chawri Bazar. The mortal remains have been shifted to LNJP Hospital for further proceedings. With the latest recovery, seven bodies have been pulled out of the rubble so far. Rescue personnel are still searching the debris for any other possible victims. The building collapsed around 9.45 am on November 5, when construction work was underway. The rescue operation has been going on for over 70 hours since the incident. The deceased have been identified as Sanjeet Kumar, Kishori Sah, Pankaj Sharma, Vipin Ram, Shantu, Dinesh Sah and Luchhuman Mukhiya. Four of the
A bridge between past and present
A German publication ranked Bihar Museum among the best in the world.MayankKumarvisits to understand what went into the making of the museum and what visitors think of its contribution to the development of Indian civilization
Four young men on Saturday (November 7, 2026), from Bengaluru, travelled about 2,200 km riding on an old auto-rickshaw to reach Areraj town, in East Champaran
Campus book clubs open new worlds for students in Patna
Patnas reading circles offer a digital detox, bring strangers together
Digital burnout draws readers to book clubs in Patna
Bihar NDA partners BJP and JD(U) aim to show unity ahead of Modi's November rally in Vaishali
BJP and JD(U) are collaborating to showcase unity as Prime Minister Modi prepares for his upcoming rally. The rally, scheduled for November 21, will mark a year of NDA governance in Bihar. Tensions arose from the recent MLC elections with accusations regarding BJP's lack of support for JD(U) candidates. Despite internal criticisms, leaders are focusing on ensuring the success of Modi's event.
Over 9,000 Bihar police personnel get higher responsibilities
Early detection key to fighting cancer: Health minister
With no train tickets, Delhi trio takes autorickshaw to Madhubani
43 newly appointed council staff to undergo fresh tests on Nov 18
Land dispute triggers firing in Patna village, six injured; eight detained
Three drug peddlers held with heroin worth Rs 35 lakh, Rs 19.5 lakh cash seizure in Bihar's Kaimur
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) The Bihar Police on Saturday busted an alleged heroin trafficking network by an operation in Kaimur district, arresting three people, including a woman, and recovering 52.58 grams of heroin worth around Rs 35 lakh. The seizure was made during a raid at a house in the Babu Mohalla area under Kudra police station following a tip-off that heroin was being packaged into smaller quantities for distribution. Mohania Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gopal Krishna said the Kudra police received confidential information about the illegal activity and immediately formed a team to conduct a raid. The operation was carried out at the residence of local resident Kiran Devi in the presence of a Magistrate, who also serves as the Circle Officer. During the search, police recovered 52.58 grams of heroin and Rs 19,48,012 in cash, suspected to be linked to the illegal drug trade. Three people were arrested from the premises. They have been identified as Kiran Devi, a resident of Ward No. 11 in Kudra, and Mintu Singh and Rajesh Singh, both residents of Karampura Pipra village under Durgawati police station. According to police, three other suspects managed to escape after noticing the arrival of the police team. They have been identified as Gular Singh alias Anchal Singh, Shibu Singh and Jitendra Singh, all residents of the Kudra area. Police said Gular Singh has a criminal history and efforts are underway to trace and arrest all three absconding suspects. The recovery of a substantial amount of cash alongside the narcotics has raised questions about the scale of the alleged trafficking operation and its financial network. Investigators are now examining the source of the seized money, the supply chain of the heroin and the possible involvement of other people in the illegal trade. Mohania SDPO Gopal Krishna said further legal proceedings were underway in connection with the recovery and arrests. Police teams are also conducting raids at suspected locations to apprehend the remaining accused. The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the network, its links with other drug suppliers and the number of people involved in the alleged trafficking operation. The seizure comes amid ongoing efforts by Bihar Police to enforce prohibition laws and curb the illegal narcotics trade in the state.
Bihars Ranivas Mound declared monument of national importance
Currently, 70 sites in Bihar are under the stewardship of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday participated in a grand Deepotsav in Kalyanpur, his home district of Munger, where 11,11,111 earthen lamps were illuminated along the banks of the Ganga a day before Diwali. The Chief Minister inaugurated the event by lighting the first lamp at the premises of the Maa Badi Durga Maharani temple. The grand celebration witnessed considerable public participation, with the riverbank illuminated by thousands of lamps. On the occasion, CM Choudhary offered prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for the prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people of Bihar. He said that Diwali symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood and extended festive greetings to the people of the state. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that construction of an 83-km-long Marine Drive connecting Munger and Bhagalpur would begin within the next two months. He added that soil erosion caused by the Ganga had been damaging agricultural land and crops, affecting farmers in several areas. The proposed Marine Drive is expected to contribute to regional development while addressing some of the challenges faced by the riverbank areas. Referring to the problems associated with the Farakka Barrage and the accumulation of silt in the Ganga, Chief Minister Choudhary said efforts were underway to find a lasting solution. He added that an agreement was reached with the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on November 2 to utilise silt removed from the Ganga in Bihar for road construction projects. The Chief Minister also said that instructions had been issued to develop arrangements for channelising Ganga water to dams across the state. Highlighting the state government's industrial development agenda, CM Choudhary said efforts were being made to establish industries through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to generate employment opportunities for Bihar's youth within the state. He said his priority was to ensure that young people could find employment in their home state rather than migrate elsewhere in search of a livelihood. Describing himself as a son of Munger, Samrat Choudhary said that he was serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar. He also thanked the people of Munger district and the Bhagalpur division for their support in the elections.
